Connecticut's defensive guru missed 11 games last season, yet he still recorded 67 blocks (2.7 per game). Opponents connected on only 42 percent of their shots inside the arc against Connecticut because of the big man's shot-blocking gifts.

Steady all season, Beachem came on strong in the NCAA tournament, averaging 17.5 points and shooting 65 percent from the floor to lead the Irish back to the Elite Eight. With Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste gone, he'll be asked to pick up where he left off, plus take on more of a leadership role as Notre Dame eyes another deep NCAA run.

Boatwright didn't get much attention during coach Andy Enfield's breakout third season, despite being a 6-foot-10 freshman who shot 36 percent from 3 and took 24.6 percent of the Trojans' shots. More minutes, and more publicity, should be around the corner.

There are several Louisville sophomores capable of breakout seasons in 2016-17, and Mitchell is as good a bet as anyone. He's an insane athlete whose per-40-minute numbers last season average out to 15.5 points, 7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

In 2016-17 Haas will have the opportunity to show that his excellent numbers from last season for 2-point shooting (59 percent) and foul-drawing (eight per 40 minutes) can be sustained by a starter playing extended minutes. He's a breakout junior waiting to happen.

Illinois desperately needs Hill to follow up on what was said to be a solid summer with a highly productive winter. The Illini have been besieged by injuries and attrition and a great season by Hill could solve a lot of headaches.

He had the most prolific freshman season at BYU since Danny Ainge, averaging 16.3 points per game. His 97 made 3-pointers set a new school record for a freshman -- only Jimmer Fredette and Chase Fischer have made more in a season.

The reigning Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year averaged 7.4 points per game as a raw, lanky forward who helped Wichita State with his determination and grit. With Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet in the NBA, however, he'll log more minutes and evolve into Gregg Marshall's young star.

Underrated. The best player you've never heard of. These are the tags currently following Maten, a fierce rebounder and versatile scorer. Maten, who averaged 16.5 points and eight rebounds per game last season, turned plenty of heads in the SEC and should grab more notice nationally this season.

Caleb Swanigan wasn't the only crucial Boilermaker to turn back from the NBA ledge in the spring. Small forward Edwards' return might be just as important: He rebounds well, guards even better, and made 40 percent of his 3s a season ago.

One of the most efficient scorers in the Atlantic 10, Adams could be in store for a huge season after averaging 17.9 points per game as the Bonnies' third offensive option. Some A-10 coaches think he's the best point guard in the league.

Tinkle underwent foot surgery in the offseason, and was cleared to participate in practice on Oct. 20. Few players in the Pac-12 are more adept at getting to the line than the sophomore, who draws nearly six fouls per 40 minutes.

UConn desperately needs more production from its wings and on the perimeter. Inconsistency has been an issue for the Huskies, but Larrier could solve some of those issues with his athleticism and ability to get buckets.

With Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan gone, Newton should be the primary scoring threat -- and also the guy with the ball in his hands -- this season for the Hurricanes. He's quick and averaged 10.5 points per game last season coming off the bench.

The catalyst for Creighton's offense helped the Bluejays finish 43rd in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom.com. His motor never stops and his knack for finding his teammates in half-court sets or fast-break situations is rivaled by only a handful of players. He averaged 6.5 assists per game and his 38.8 percent assist rate was 12th in the country

Hogg averaged just 6.2 points per game last season but that's mostly because, with Danuel House and Jalen Jones around, he couldn't get a lot of minutes. With more playing opportunity, Hogg, a versatile defender who also shot 33 percent from beyond the arc a season ago, should shine.

Simmons, the No. 20 prospect in this loaded incoming class, might need a little time to add some strength and off-ball intuition to his game. Then again, the 6-foot-5 wing is already immensely polished, and Sean Miller gets the best out of his freshmen with minimal delay.

White is exactly what Jim Boeheim and Syracuse needed, even if the graduate transfer from Nebraska didn't pick the Orange until late August. He's a legitimate go-to scorer, shooting better than 41 percent from 3-point range while finishing sixth in the Big Ten in scoring last season.

The erstwhile West Virginia Mountaineer is now Tom Izzo's leading veteran on a team brimming with young talent. If Harris can continue to connect on 44 percent of his 3s, the youthful Spartans will push Wisconsin, Indiana and Purdue for the Big Ten title.

Georgia will be a contender for an NCAA tournament bid out of the SEC if Frazier lives up to his billing of being an elite scorer (16.9 points per game last season). He doesn't have intimidating size, but he has been able to hold his own at a high level.

Bell spent the better part of last season finding his rhythm after being slowed by a foot injury. He and Chris Boucher form a fearsome shot-blocking duo, combining for 163 last season. He's an athletic big man who runs the floor well and is one of the Ducks' best finishers.

The ultratalented, skilled and athletic forward was the 12th-ranked recruit in 2016 and has already drawn the interest of the NBA folks as a likely first-round pick. The question is whether his production in Tallahassee will match his potential.

The 6-foot-5 slashing, athletic wing averaged 16.8 points per game for a UCLA squad that added a top-10 recruiting class to this season's roster. With the new talent on the floor, Hamilton's numbers may change but his role and significance within Steve Alford's plans (37.7 percent from the 3-point line) remain.

The Longhorns' late addition already has his coach raving, with Shaka Smart saying he plans to start the 6-11 Allen alongside Shaquille Cleare for a rather impressive frontcourt. Allen hasn't garnered as much attention as some in this freshman class but he could help a promising Texas team get back to the NCAA tournament.

The latest in the long line of Saint Mary's Australian imports, Naar tied fellow Aussie Matthew Dellavedova's single-season SMC assist record. The Gaels project to be a hyper-efficient offensive force for the second year running, and Naar is a major reason why.

The post-Buddy Hield era in Norman will begin with Woodard. He was one of the best complementary options -- and shooters -- in the Big 12 last season, and will become the go-to guy on the offensive end for Sooners coach Lon Kruger.

LeDay was notably efficient as a scorer last season, and that was as the co-featured scorer (alongside Seth Allen) for the ACC's No. 13-ranked offense. With just about everyone returning in Blacksburg this season, the senior could have even more noteworthy performances in store.

Notre Dame has a tremendous glue guy in Colson. He's a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-5 but his length allows him to always be around the ball and make things happen for an Irish team that will need even more production from him this season.

Bill Self said he won't be shocked if the long and skilled forward winds up leading the Jayhawks in scoring this season. He played sparingly last season behind Perry Ellis, but Bragg could be a focal point this season in Lawrence.

Notre Dame's 6-foot-6 wing is a reliable contributor who can use his size to get to the rim or find space off a screen and connect with his jumper. He's one of the most balanced players in the ACC: 34 percent from the 3-point line, 49 percent inside the arc and 85 percent on his free throw attempts.

As the Ducks wait for Dillon Brooks to recover from foot surgery, Dorsey will be asked to carry much of the scoring load in what will be a very guard-oriented team. But Dorsey, who averaged 13.4 points per game as a freshman, is more than able to handle it. When Brooks returns, they will make for a terrific Oregon backcourt.

If the name rings a bell, it's likely because you saw the singular moment of UConn's 2015-16 season: Adams' insane 70-foot buzzer-beater to knock off Cincinnati in the American conference tournament last March. That shot kept UConn's disappointing season alive; if Adams hits his ceiling, the Huskies won't need to live 2016-17 on a prayer.

Early returns from Duke practices indicate that Kennard is ready to assume a larger role. Known as a lights-out 3-point shooter coming out of high school, Kennard impressed during his freshman season with his decision-making and passing.

He converts 39 percent of his 3s and nearly half his 2s at a listed height of 5-foot-8, runs the point for the Hawks and he even dressed up as his own coach (King Rice) for Halloween. Robinson is spooky-good.

Briscoe has already been dubbed the leader of Kentucky -- as a sophomore. The knock on him last season was his shooting, but he proved last month during Kentucky's pro day that he can make 3s in bunches.

Williams led Missouri in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots as a sophomore during the 2014-15 season before transferring to Gonzaga and sitting out last season. He will help the Zags make up for a depleted frontcourt.

The stocky 6-foot-4 athlete is an undersized forward but an effective finisher and talented rebounder. He used his brawn to average 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season, but he must improve at the charity stripe (52 percent).

The post-Ben Simmons (and perhaps back to reality) world begins for the Tigers, and if they are going to be better than last season's disastrous mess, it will be up to Blakeney. He showed what he can do down the stretch of last season, averaging 17.4 points in his final 10 games, and LSU will need all of that and more to succeed this season.

It's hard to remember now, but three years ago, Marcus Foster's out-of-nowhere rookie campaign made him one of the hottest names in the Big 12. His falling-out with Kansas State coach Bruce Weber led him to transfer to Creighton, where his scoring could elevate the Bluejays from fringe bubble team to a regular in the top 25.

Young has improved steadily in each of his three seasons with the Panthers, and will continue to rebound and get to the free throw line at a high rate. Under new coach Kevin Stallings, Young will be the focal point of the offense.

Karnowski missed all but the first five games of last season with a back injury, and it's no coincidence that Gonzaga failed to deliver on a preseason top-10 ranking. If the 7-foot-1 senior is healthy he'll be a leading West Coast Conference POY candidate and an invaluable source of 2-point makes.

He's an elite shooter who shot 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from the 3-point line last season. Valpo is thrilled he not only withdrew his name from the NBA draft, but decided not to leave as a graduate transfer.

Last season, his first for the Hokies, the Maryland transfer averaged 14.7 points per game. He'll need to improve his perimeter shot and his decision-making, but he's a tough, quick guard and plays both ends of the floor.

The senior point guard is John Beilein's most significant weapon, the veteran leader on a roster that lost multiple perimeter players. He's a confident distributor (4.5 assists per game) who made 39 percent of his 3-pointers last season, but finished on just 36 percent of his shots inside the arc.

The coach's son has been a bit of a lightning rod during his career, and how he coexists with Lonzo Ball in the backcourt will be both intensely watched and wildly critical to the Bruins' success this season. Controversy aside, Alford has to be given props for his 16.1 points and 5.2 assists per game last season.

A year ago, Jok had the benefit of playing alongside four seniors -- two of whom, Adam Woodbury and Mike Gesell, were four-year starters (and one of whom, Jarrod Uthoff, was one of the nation's best players). Now Jok, who already averaged 16.1 points per game last season, will need to do even more.

Razorbacks coach Mike Anderson has to be thrilled Kingsley withdrew his name from the NBA draft and returned to Arkansas for his senior season. Among SEC players, Kingsley was 10th in scoring (15.9 points), third in rebounds (9.3) and second in blocked shots (2.4).

Meeks posted outstanding offensive rebound percentages for three seasons while having to compete for those boards with Brice Johnson. The senior's numbers may improve still further with Johnson gone -- or, as Roy Williams would prefer, the competition may now be with Isaiah Hicks.

Forget Duke's stellar freshman recruiting class for a minute, Jefferson is the unsung leader of the team. He's the best communicator on the floor for the Blue Devils; defensively, they would be lost without him.

He's arguably the best passer in the country, but the key question is how much Bruins coach Steve Alford will give him the ball and let him go. Ball's athleticism will be questioned, but his size and court vision have drawn comparisons to Jason Kidd.

At a Nike Skills Academy showcase stacked with veteran talent in Los Angeles over the summer, the 6-foot-7 freshman looked stronger than every player on the floor. The high-flying wing is comfortable above the rim, as evidenced by his 21-point, 7-rebound performance in a season-opening loss against Arizona at the Armed Forces Classic.

The fun-loving Adebayo is no joke on the inside and will plug the biggest hole that plagued the Wildcats last season. He can block shots, rebound and protect the rim, all vital for a Kentucky team that struggled to do all three last season.

The 2015 Indiana Mr. Basketball and McDonald's All-American had an occasionally inefficient freshman season, but his promise was never hard to see. A more versatile offensive repertoire -- particularly in the high post, playing off 7-foot-2 Purdue center Isaac Haas -- might bring a breakout sophomore campaign.

One of the best two-way players in college basketball, Evans is lightning-quick with the ball in his hands and a pest on the defensive end. He'll shoulder more of the scoring load as the Cowboys look to improve on last season's 12-20 record.

On a Carolina team that's not averse to (and exceptionally good at) 2-point jumpers, Hicks generates a very high percentage of his offense at the rim. The result, as you'd expect, is an excellent rate of conversion inside the arc: 61 percent.

Giles sat out last season after tearing his ACL in his right knee and underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee last month, making his impact unknown this season. If he gets on the court he's an elite talent who can score around the rim and become a game-changer for the Blue Devils.

Bacon decided to return for his sophomore season instead of being "another rookie in the league that's not playing." He led the Seminoles in scoring last season with 15.8 points per game, but will need to improve from 3-point range, where he shot just 28 percent.

Davis is one of the best true big men in the country and doesn't try to be something he's not. He has shed about 100 pounds since high school and should improve significantly on his production from a season ago (11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds per game).

The Atlantic 10 Player of the Year contender played only 10 minutes last season after a knee injury in the first game of the season ended his 2015-16 campaign. But the 6-5 guard, who averaged 16.9 points per game in 2014-15, is back to penetrate, collect points from the perimeter and attack defenses with size and strength few that players in the country can match.

The Memphis transfer was suspended for two weeks for violating team rules. Even before the suspension, Virginia head coach Tony Bennett said Nicholas was still trying to master the Cavaliers' defense. Nichols averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last season and could be the most critical piece to the oft-challenged offense of Virginia.

Boucher caught the hoops world by surprise a season ago: Who was this twig-thin 23-year-old junior, who began his organized basketball career at age 19 after being plucked out of a rec center by a basketball academy for hardscrabble Montreal kids ... and how on Earth was he so good? Boucher's game is as unique as his story, and just as good.

Jackson has the size and strength to make an immediate impact, and he will be able to score against most opponents. The lone question with Jackson is whether he will be able to make the transition to being a full-time point guard.

Trier's status remains a mystery. He did not play in the Wildcats' season-opening win against Michigan State at the Armed Forces Classic. If he plays, the sophomore can give the Wildcats a proven dose of scoring from anywhere on the floor.

A former highly ranked recruit, Williams-Goss will be ready to play after sitting out last season after transferring from Washington. He'll bring a scoring dynamic to the point guard position that the Bulldogs haven't had in a while.

Early projections about national runner-up North Carolina remain high, in part because Berry promises the return of a dynamic, talented combo guard capable of keeping the Tar Heels in contention, despite the loss of Marcus Paige. Berry, an All-ACC preseason first-teamer, averaged 12.8 points and 3.8 assists per game, while connecting on 38.2 percent of his 3-pointers and 86.7 percent of his free throw attempts, and could produce even bigger numbers in 2016-17.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said at ACC media day that Lydon put on 20 pounds over the summer and is a "totally different player." The old version, who nearly lifted the Orange to the Final Four single-handedly, wasn't too shabby, averaging 10.1 points and 6.3 boards per game.

Indiana's sweet-shooting off-guard averaged 15.7 points and five rebounds per game as an all-conference honorable mention two seasons ago, but missed much of the 2015-16 season to injury. If he's healthy, he's one of the best pure scorers in the country.

The athletic point guard bounced back from a redshirt season to help lead the Musketeers to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. Sumner is an attack-minded playmaker who showed flashes of being able to take over games last season.

What's next after a freshman season in which Bryant converted an incredible 71 percent of his 2-point attempts? If you're Tom Crean, you're thinking in terms of more minutes, a larger role in the offense and some tough interior defense from your 6-foot-10 sophomore.

Monk has already given a glimpse of his athletic talent with a monster dunk in the preseason that made a SportsCenter highlight reel. He'll become a big-time scorer for the Wildcats in their quest to get to a Final Four.

Has revamped his body and could wind up being the best player on a Badgers team that features Nigel Hayes and Ethan Happ. Koenig can get into the lane, shoot it from deep and also set up his teammates.

Last season, Wisconsin's Draymond Green-like cog saw his effectiveness decline as he hoisted up 72 more shots from inside the arc (54 percent to 40 percent) and 32 additional 3-pointers (40 percent to 29 percent) compared to the previous season. But the Big Ten's preseason player of the year is due for a more efficient season packed with the same versatility and stat-stuffing, shot-stopping production of past seasons.

Tatum, like Giles, is out with an injury. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski seems like he will take the cautious route with Tatum. Once he returns, he is a sure-fire first-round pick, Tatum could emerge as the star of a heavily favored Duke team.

The author of the greatest buzzer-beater in the history of college basketball -- sorry, Christian Laettner, but a title winner takes the cake -- won't be able to improve on last season's finish, because such a thing is not possible. Good news? He'll still be a potent, matchup-havoc weapon for a back-to-back title contender.

Happ took advantage of a redshirt season and developed into the best freshman in the Big Ten in 2015-16. He saved his best for the NCAA tournament, where he averaged 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in three games.

Jackson has been a consistent and efficient scorer inside the arc the past two seasons (though, granted, a 30 percent shooter outside it). Now that mainstays like Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige are gone, the junior will have more opportunities to flash that ability.

Fox should have an immediate impact on Kentucky with his quickness on the defensive end. He's fast in all facets of the game and as a pass-first guard he'll make everyone on the floor better playing with him.

The senior point guard could wind up leading the nation in scoring after putting up 23.5 points per game last season. According to coach Bob McKillop, Gibbs' conditioning is much-improved -- and that's scary for opponents.

North Carolina State's explosive point guard is a versatile, unpredictable gem who will thrive in any scenario and could lead the Wolfpack in every offensive category. The 6-foot-3 point guard resembles former Maryland star Steve Francis with his ability to dunk through traffic, find his teammates anywhere on the floor or connect on a deep 3-pointer, even if it's contested.

Mason and Devonte' Graham combine for one of the more formidable backcourts in the country. The steady Mason -- strong defensively, reliable offensively -- has flown under the radar for much of his career and likely will take a backseat to freshman Josh Jackson this season, but he's invaluable to the Jayhawks' success.

Texas Tech coach Chris Beard, whose Arkansas-Little Rock team lost to Iowa State in the 2016 NCAA tournament, remembers preparing for that game and thinking, "This guy might be their best player." With star forward Georges Niang gone, Morris -- who has led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio for almost his entire career -- is about to make an even larger impression.

A left foot injury suffered in the summer could hamper Brooks during the early portion of the season. When healthy, though, Brooks is among the most versatile and talented scorers in the country, and knows how to get under an opponent's skin.

If any one of several Duke Blue Devils should stumble in the slightest, Blossomgame could be the 2017 ACC Player of the Year. Since adding 3-point range to his repertoire last season, the 6-foot-7 senior is now one of the most effective scoring threats in the nation.

The Oakland product can accomplish two goals with Cal this season: First, he can lead his hometown squad to a Pac-12 championship and extended run in the NCAA tournament. Second, he can solidify his place as a lottery pick in next year's draft as the perfect stretch-4 NBA executives covet. Last season, the 6-foot-11 big man averaged 12.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, while attempting a balanced 52.2 percent of his shots at the rim and 47.4 percent of his tries from the field, per hoop-math.com.

Tripping indiscretions aside, Allen emerged as one of college basketball's best last season, when he poured in 42 percent of his 3s and 21.6 points per game overall. For all of the hype surrounding Mike Krzyzewski's star-studded freshman class, veterans are the real reason the Blue Devils are the clear national title favorites, and one of them might be the best player in the country.